WEDDINGS

Afshan Shamas Beautiful Bridal Accessories!

We’re excited to introduce you to Afshan Shamas a beautiful bridal accessories designer with her collection and an interview about her inspirations, best selling pieces and how she makes these magical creations! Afshan is also running a competition over on instagram to win her stunning Sophia Willow Garland worth £335, so do check that out too! Entries close on the 17th April.

“I’m so delighted to share my new bridal pieces today, but equally excited to be launching my capsule collection for Special Occasions. Drawing into my Indian heritage I have created hair adornments and jewellery, rich in colour and varied in design to perfectly compliment that special dress or outfit. Not limiting to evening wear, these pieces also await the bride who really wants to make a statement with colour!”

What inspired you to start your business and how did you fall in love with it?I had always been creatively driven from a young age. At the age of 13 I stitched my very first dress, which later in my twenties encouraged me to enrol in the London College of Fashion, to specialise in couture dress making. I was convinced I would be the next Valentino, as one does! Luckily I very quickly realised that if I could I would transform every dress by embellishing them with crystals, pearls and stones. When my twin daughters where of an age that didn’t command endless school runs, I finally had the opportunity to channel my skills, work with the delicate components that I loved and created my very first collection of exquisite bridal jewellery and hair adornments. Due to a few unexpected setbacks, I put things on hold until autumn 2015 when I showcased my full collection at my first prominent wedding show. I’ve been married for a number of years now, so my own wedding is a bit of a distant memory, but there is something incredibly special about weddings and the ever evolving trends. This has always kept my interest alive and fortunately allowed me to now be a part of this incredible industry.

What are your top three best selling pieces?The Sophia Willow comb has proven to be very popular with the bride looking for subtle sophistication. It’s delicate in structure, yet emulates jasmine in the hair, perfect when worn at the back of the hair, styled in with the very in demand up/down look.

With gold hues very much en vogue, the delicate Alessia hair vine is a versatile piece that can be worn in multiple ways, over the crown, across the forehead or at the back towards the front. Pearl and crystal detailing is mirrored on both sides like fragile lace, joined together with a delicate vine. A beautiful piece that works wonderfully for the boho inspired look to pure sophistication.

The Deluxe Vine Cap, is another favourite. A vintage inspired design of intertwined vines, gently sweep over the forehead, created with contemporary components for a modern touch.

Who is the Afshan Shamas Bride? What is her style?My brand offers a very versatile collection of accessories aimed at the vintage inspired to the fashion forward thinking bride, looking for exquisitely designed and handcrafted adornments that offer luxury with a delicate feminine feel at affordable prices. Perhaps the bride prefers a subtle inclusion in the hair, where single or multiple hair pins can work beautifully as an understated accessory to a bold statement piece. Not to forget garlands and delicate hair vines that can be worn in a symmetrical fashion in the hair, across the forehead, or woven into a soft up do or plait. Each bride not only has her own style, but vision too, which I take great pride in interpreting. She may wish to select an existing design, or one that requires an alteration in the colour pallet of components, width and length of the accessory. Alternatively my bespoke creations can allow for the bride’s unique style to resonate through and work in complete harmony with the dress, look and theme.

Tell us a little bit how your products are made…Every piece is designed and hand crafted in my London studio. From a rough sketch and with meticulous attention to detail, the design evolves as the creation progresses. I use only the very finest of components available, from Swarovski crystals, pearls and stones, high lustre fresh water pearls and semi-precious stones, along with sterling silver and gold filled findings.Each and every component is carefully and individually secured in delicate wirework, with some designs completed with hand crafted clasps offering a truly organic touch. For that extra special touch I also welcome brides to bring along a sentimental piece of jewellery that I can incorporate into the design, resulting in an accessory worthy to be treasured for life and passed down as a family heirloom.

What is your favourite thing about your business?There are so many elements that I cherish about my business, from the design stage to the creation and completion of accessories. I work very closely with the bride and I would have to say that the pleasure of welcoming her and the bridal party to a private consultation is where I can really listen to and guide the bride in deciding which accessories would suit her best.I offer a very relaxed atmosphere with no pressure, ultimately one that I hope that the bride will reflect back on as one of her most memorable experiences. Creating accessories for brides in itself is such an honour as is providing exceptional customer service, which is reflected in the testimonials that I receive.

Catharine

For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than creatively bringing exciting new ideas and beautiful features to B.LOVED that inspire you to find the soulful moments in your life.
As well as B.LOVED Editor, I am also a Wedding Photographer and Graphic Designer. I love sunshine, dreamy interiors, travel and animals! I share my life with my Fiancé James and our rescue dogs Joey & Teddy.

Best of B.LOVED: Top 10 Beautiful Real W

What a tremendous year of the dreamiest and creative weddings we've had here on B.LOVED Bl